The Independent has held its first-ever Travel Awards to find the top hotels, airlines and destinations our readers love – and the results are in.
A whopping 17,000 of you shared the destinations and companies that help you to holiday, recognising the best of the travel industry.
Sun-drenched destinations in Spain dominated European holiday hotspots, Tui took top place as the best tour operator and Hilton hosted the best hotel stays.
As for air carriers, Emirates ranked as the best long-haul airline, with P&O Ferries, Viking and Princess Cruises all performing well on the water.
Readers were also given the chance to win one of 12 incredible travel prizes, including a week-long all-inclusive trip to Jamaica and an 11-night small-ship cruise.
On 8 September, the destinations, travel companies and experiences backed by Independent readers were revealed at an event at the Kimpton Fitzroy London, sponsored by Loveholidays.
Here is the full list of winners from the Independent Travel Awards 2026.
The Independent Travel Awards 2026 winners
- Best place to visit in the UK – Cornwall, England
- Best hotel in the UK – Hotel Cafe Royal, London
- Best UK attraction – Edinburgh Castle
- Best holiday park – Center Parcs
- Best rail tour provider – Great Rail Journeys
- Best ferry line – P&O Ferries
- Best river cruise line – Viking
- Best small ship cruise line – Hurtigruten
- Best ocean cruise line – Princess Cruises
- Best short-haul airline – Jet2 and easyJet
- Best long-haul airline – Emirates
- Best tour operator – Tui
- Best escorted/guided tour operator – Trailfinders
- Best solo holiday provider – Intrepid Travel
- Best ski holiday operator – Crystal Ski
- Best at sustainable and ethical travel practices – Intrepid Travel
- Best worldwide hotel brand – Hilton
- Best all-inclusive resort brand – Tui
- Best villa operator – Villa Plus
- Best destination in Europe – Spain
- Best European city – Dublin, Ireland
- Best destination outside of Europe – USA
The Independent Travel Awards 2026 are sponsored by Loveholidays
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